systematic_review
    2020

    Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Selenium, Zinc, and Chromium Levels in Alcohol Use Disorder: A Review

    Baj J

    Published in Journal of Clinical Medicine

    Methodology

    Literature review of studies reporting serum, plasma or tissue levels of magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc and chromium in patients with alcohol use disorder.

    Key Findings

    Review of mineral status in alcohol use disorder found consistently low magnesium, zinc and selenium levels and frequently disturbed calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphate balance, driven by poor intake, gastrointestinal losses, renal wasting and liver dysfunction; deficiencies were linked to withdrawal severity, neuropathy, arrhythmia risk and refeeding complications.

    Conclusions

    Mineral deficiencies - particularly magnesium and zinc - are common in alcohol use disorder and warrant assessment and correction as part of treatment, though evidence that supplementation improves drinking outcomes is limited.

    Limitations

    Narrative/systematic review of heterogeneous observational studies with varied assay methods and populations; no pooled estimates; few interventional trials; confounding by nutrition, liver disease and comorbidity.

    Supplements Studied

    Zinc
    Mineral

    Such knowledge helps to understand the mechanisms of chronic alcohol-use disorder and to progress and prevent withdrawal effects, also improving treatment strategies.

    Magnesium
    Mineral

    Such knowledge helps to understand the mechanisms of chronic alcohol-use disorder and to progress and prevent withdrawal effects, also improving treatment strategies.

    Calcium
    Mineral

    Review of mineral status in alcohol use disorder found consistently low magnesium, zinc and selenium levels and frequently disturbed calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphate balance, driven by poor intake, gastrointestinal losses, renal wasting and liver dysfunction; deficiencies were linked to withdrawal severity, neuropathy, arrhythmia risk and refeeding complications.

    Phosphorus
    Mineral

    Review of mineral status in alcohol use disorder found consistently low magnesium, zinc and selenium levels and frequently disturbed calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphate balance, driven by poor intake, gastrointestinal losses, renal wasting and liver dysfunction; deficiencies were linked to withdrawal severity, neuropathy, arrhythmia risk and refeeding complications.

    Selenium
    Mineral

    Review of mineral status in alcohol use disorder found consistently low magnesium, zinc and selenium levels and frequently disturbed calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphate balance, driven by poor intake, gastrointestinal losses, renal wasting and liver dysfunction; deficiencies were linked to withdrawal severity, neuropathy, arrhythmia risk and refeeding complications.

    Potassium
    Mineral

    Review of mineral status in alcohol use disorder found consistently low magnesium, zinc and selenium levels and frequently disturbed calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphate balance, driven by poor intake, gastrointestinal losses, renal wasting and liver dysfunction; deficiencies were linked to withdrawal severity, neuropathy, arrhythmia risk and refeeding complications.

    Related Health Concerns

    Study Details

    Year:2020
    Quality Score:6/10

    Disclosures

    Funding

    University research funding (Medical University of Lublin)

    This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.